Advice and Tools
For every step of your Ostomy Journey
SASS aims to advocate and align the standard of Stoma care and services across South Africa which will be applicable to both the private and public sectors.
Ostomy Care
Tips and Tricks
The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) is a Non-profit organization formed by Ostomates across Southern Africa to facilitate a “holistic” approach to ostomy patient care by bridging the gap between the private and public sectors whilst advocating for the rights of fellow ostomates throughout the country.
SASS VALUE STATEMENT
SASS is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of ostomates across South Africa. We strive to bridge the gap between private and public healthcare sectors, ensuring that all ostomates receive the highest standard of care.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, education, and resources to empower ostomates and their families, helping them navigate their new normal with confidence and dignity. By collaborating closely with clinicians and healthcare professionals, we ensure that our community receives expert care and guidance.
Aligning with global standards set by The International Ostomy Association (IOA), we aim to foster a community where every ostomate feels supported, informed, and valued.
Featured Topics
For Living with a Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy
Help us achieve
What we set out to achieve with YOUR help
GET EDUCATED
Medically reviewed surgery-specific information. Making sure you have access to the best possible care. Ostomy pouch management tips, diet & nutrition, skincare, sexuality, travel tips and more!
FEEL SUPPORTED
Support to you & your family whilst you transition into your new normal. You will have access to a local peer support group, where you can get answers to questions, or connect with our Facebook community.
BE AN ADVOCATE
We aim to advocate the standard of Stoma care across private and public sectors, whilst aligning with the global standards set out by The International Ostomy Association (IOA).
Celebrating the First JJ van Noordwyk Bursary Recipients
Today we also had the honour of meeting the first recipients of the Jolanda Jansen van Noordwyk (JJ van Noordwyk) Stoma Nurse Bursary Fund.
This fund was established to address South Africa’s critical shortage of qualified Stoma Nurses and to strengthen succession planning for the next generation of specialists.
Named in honour of a nurse whose life has been dedicated to teaching and empowerment, the bursary invests directly in the future of patient care.
As JJ so beautifully puts it:
“Stoma care is not just about managing a pouch — it is about restoring dignity, confidence, and hope. Investing in a nurse is investing in every patient they will ever care for.”
Congratulations to our inaugural recipients:
Elizabeth Nelson
Semira Luna Martin Standhardt
Zikhona Mazinyo
We wish you strength and purpose as you grow into the leaders our community needs. Your impact will extend far beyond the classroom.
The future of stoma care depends on who we train today.
#JJvanNoordwykBursary #SuccessionPlanning #NursingEducation #StomaCare #SASSAdvocacy
“You don’t just prescribe a pouch… you prescribe a life.”
Today we engaged with the Class of 2026 in Stoma Care.
Because the right clinical decision restores dignity.
And nursing leadership must lead from the front as we strengthen advocacy for ostomates in South Africa.
We look forward to walking this journey with you.
#PrescribeALife #StomaCare #NurseLeadership #Ostomate #HealthcareLeadership AdvocacyInAction SASSAdvocacy
Hydration looks different with an ileostomy 💧
Swipe for tips that protect your health and support your stoma.
Hydration looks different with an ileostomy 💧
Swipe for tips that protect your health and support your stoma.
#IleostomyCare #HydrationMatters #OstomySupport #SASS #StomaHealth #LivingWithAStoma
Small sips. Balanced meals. Mindful choices.
These tips are here to support ostomates observing the fast—one day at a time.
#RamadanWithAStoma #Ostomates #SASS #StomaCare #HealthIsIbadah #RamadanMubarak
1st National SASS Conference - October 2026. SAVE THE DATE!
Every cancer journey is unique, just like every ostomy journey. 💙
This #WorldCancerDay, we stand #UnitedByUnique, supporting patients, families, and communities.
#SASSCares #OstomySupport #togetherwethrive
SASS CONFERENCE 2026
#StrongerTogether #OstomyAwareness #WoundCareAwareness
#PatientDignity #LivingWithAStoma #Stoma #StomaCare #BagLife #ColostomyLife #IleostomyLife #UrostomyLife
2026. Day one. Back in the gym. 💪
New year. New goals. New challenges.
Today our Ostomates are back on the move, not just training bodies, but breaking outdated stereotypes.
This year, we challenge the belief that ostomates can’t lift, push, sweat, or go all in.
With the right support and a reliable pouching solution, confidence grows — and so does what’s possible.
This is more than a workout.
It’s a journey.
It’s strength in motion.
It’s watching what’s possible evolve.
Follow along as we move, build, and redefine limits in 2026.
#OstomatesOnTheMove
#OstomyAwareness #OstomyLife #OstomyStrong
#BreakingBarriers #AdaptiveFitness #InclusiveFitness
#ChronicIllnessWarriors #StrengthInConfidence
#FitnessJourney #WatchTheEvolution #LifeUninterrupted
SASS Blog
What has been happening at SASS
Restoring Dignity Through Partnership & Education
SASS and Helen Joseph Hospital Lead the Way in Stoma Care In April and May 2025, the South African Society of Stomates (SASS) partnered with Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH) in Johannesburg for a multi-day capacity-building initiative aimed at improving stoma care services in the public health system. What started as a workshop quickly became a […]
SASS IS PROUDLY AFFILIATED WITH
SASS Is Proudly Supported By
